m^poiri:
BY
W. L. MACKENZIE KING, C.M.G.
DEPUTY MINISTER OF LABOUR
COMMISSIONER
APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE INTO THE
LOSSES SUSTAINED BY THE JAPANESE POPULATION
OF VANCOUVER, B.C.
ON THE OCCASION OF THE RIOTS IN THAT CITY
IN SEPTEMBER, 1907
PRINTED BY ORDER OF PARLIAMENT
OTTAWA
PRINTED BY S. E. DAWSON, PRINTER TO THE KING'S MOST
EXCELLENT MAJESTY
1908
No. 7^-1908.]
/
The EDITH and LORNE PIERCE
COLLECTION o/CANADIANA
7-8 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No 74g A. 1908
REPOIiT
BY
W. L. MACKENZIE KING, C.M.G.
DEPUTY MINISTER OF LABOUR
COMMISSIONER
APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE INTO THE
LOSSES SUSTAINED BY THE JAPANESE POPULATION
OF VANCOUVER, B.C.
ON THE OCCASION OF THE RIOTS IN THAT CITY
IN SEPTEMBER, 1907
PRINTED BY ORDER OF PARLIAMENT
OTTAWA
PRINTED BY S. E. DAWSON, PRINTER TO THE KING'S MOST
EXCELLENT MAJESTY
1908
]No. 74#— 190&]
7-8 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 74q A. 1908
\
KOYAL COMMISSION.
Commissioner: W. L. Mackenzie King, C.M.G.,
Deputy Minister of Labour.
Counsel representing Japanese Claimants: Howard J. Duncan, Esq.
Interpreter: T. I. Nagao.
Stenographer: Francis W. Giddens,
Department of Labour.
74g— 1*
7-8 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 74g A. 1908
To His Excellency the Right Honourable Sir Albert Henry George, Earl Grey, Vis-
count Howich, Baron Grey of Howich, in the County of Northumberland, in the
Peerage of the United Kingdom, and a Baronet; Knight Grand Cross of the
Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, &c, &&., Governor
General and Commander in Chief of the Dominion of Canada.
May it Please Your Excellency:
The undersigned has the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of W. L.
Mackenzie King, C.M.G., Deputy Minister of Labour, as Commissioner appointed to
inquire into the losses and damages sustained by the Japanese population in the city
of Vancouver in the province of British Columbia.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
(Sgd) KODOLPHE LEMIEUX,
Minister of Labour.
Ottawa, June 26, 1908.
7-8 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 74g A. 1908
Commission :
Appointing William Lyon Mackenzie King, C.M.G., M.A., LL.B., a
Commissioner to inquire into the losses and damages sustained by the
Japanese population in the city of Vancouver, in the province of British
Columbia.
Grey. (Seal.) Canada.
Edward the Seventh, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas, King, Defender
of the Faith, Emperor of India.
To all to whom these Presents shall come, or whom the same may in anywise
concern. Greeting :
Whereas in and by an Order of our Governor General in Council bearing date
the twelfth day of October in the year of Our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and
seven (copy of which is hereto annexed) provision has been made for an inquiry by
our Commissioner therein and hereinafter named, into the losses and damages sus-
tained by the Japanese population in the city of Vancouver in the province of British
Columbia on the occasion of the recent riots in the said city.
Now Know Ye, that by and with the advice of our Privy Council for Canada,
we do by these presents, nominate, constitute and appoint William Lyon Mackenzie
King, C.M.G., M.A., LL.B., of the city of Ottawa, in the province of Ontario, Deputy
Minister of Labour, to be our Commissioner to conduct such inquiry.
To have, hold, exercise and enjoy the said office, place and trust unto the said
William Lyon Mackenzie King, together with the rights, powers, privileges, and
emoluments unto the said office, place, and trust of right and by law appertaining,
during pleasure.
And We do Hereby, under the authority of Part I, of the Inquiries Act, Chapter
104, Revised Statutes, 1906, confer upon our said Commissioner, the power of sum-
moning before him any witnesses and of requiring them to give evidence on oath, or
on solemn affirmation, if they are persons entitled to affirm in civil matters, and orally
or in writing, and to produce such documents and things as our said Commissioner
shall deem requisite to the full investigation of the matters into which he is hereby
appointed to examine.
And We do Hereby require and direct our said Commissioner to report to our
Governor General in Council the result of the investigation, together with the evidence
taken before you, and any opinion you may see fit to express thereon.
In Testimony Whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patent and
the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed: Witness, Our Right Trusty and Right
7
8 VANCOUVER RIOTS
7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908
Well-beloved Cousin the Right Honourable Sir Albert Henry George, Earl Grey,
Viscount Howick, Baron Grey of Howick, in the County of Northumberland, in the
Peerage of the United Kingdom, and a Baronet, Knight Grand Cross of Our Most
Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, etc., etc., Governor General
and Commander in Chief of our Dominion of Canada.
At our Government House, in our City of Ottawa, this twelfth day of October,
in the year of Our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and seven, and in the seventh
year of our Reign.
By Command.
(Signed) R. W. SCOTT,
Secretary of State.
(Signed) A. B. Aylesworth,
Attorney General,
Canada.
7-8 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 74g A. 1908
REPORT OF W. L. MACKENZIE KING, C.M.G.,
Commissioner, appointed to inquire into the Losses and Damages sustained by the
Japanese population in the city of Vancouver in the province of British
Columbia, on the occasion of Riots in that city in September, 1907.
To His Excellency the Governor General in Council:
I have the honour to submit the following report on the results of my investigation
into the losses and damages sustained by the Japanese population in the city of
Vancouver, B.C., occasioned by the anti- Asiatic riot of September, 1907, which investi-
gation was undertaken in pursuance of the Royal Commission issued to me on the
14th day of October, 1907, a copy of which is annexed hereto.
The riot to which reference is made in the commission occurred in the foreign
quarter of the city of Vancouver on Saturday, September 7, 1907, and was followed
by considerable unrest among the Orientals of the city during the days immediately
following. A claim on behalf of the Japanese residents of the city of Vancouver for
losses incurred was presented on October 7, to the Dominion government, on behalf
of the government of Japan, through Mr. T. Nosse, His Imperial Japanese Majesty's
Consul General, resident at Ottawa. The losses were estimated at a sum amounting
to $13,519.45, of which $2,405.70 was claimed for actual damage to property, and
$11,113.75 as resultant or consequential damages.
Having received with my commission copies of the correspondence between Mr.
Nosse and the Canadian government in reference to this matter, I immediately called
upon Mr. Nosse and informed him of my appointment. I arranged for the insertion
of a public notice in the Japanese papers of Vancouver, informing the Japanese resi-
dents of that city of the investigation to be held, and requesting parties who desired to
present claims to appear on certain specified days. The insertion of this notice, which
appeared in the Japanese papers on the following day, was arranged by telegram
through the good offices of Mr. Nosse and Mr. K. Morikawa. His Imperial Japanese
Majesty's Consul, resident at Vancouver. I left Ottawa on October 14 and arrived
in Vancouver on Sunday, the 20th. On Monday, the 21st instant, I caused the follow-
ing notice to be inserted in the local newspapers in the city of Vancouver : —
' Public Notice.
- The undersigned, appointed Commissioner under the Inquiries Act,
Chapter 104, Revised Statutes, to conduct an inquiry into the losses and
damages sustained by the Japanese population in Vancouver, on the occasion
of the recent riots in this city, hereby notifies all parties having claims to
present, that he will be at Pender Hall, Pender street, between the hours of
10.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the 22nd,
23rd and 24th instant respectively, to receive such claims; also that no claim
9
10 VANCOUVER RIOTS
SESSIONAL PAPER No. 74g
will be entitled to consideration which is not presented within the time herein
specified. The examination and taking of evidence in respect of said claims
will be commenced forthwith, and the undersigned will be prepared to hear the
representations of any parties desiring to appear or be heard before the com-
mission in respect of any or all of the said claims.
' (Sgd). W. L. MACKENZIE KING,
' Commissioner'
Dated at Vancouver, October 21, 1907.'
On the same day I sent the following communication to Mr. George Cowan, K.C.,
solicitor for the city of Vancouver: —
' Vancouver, B.C., October 21, 1907.
' Sir, — I beg to inform you that having come- to Vancouver as Commis-
sioner appointed under the Inquiries Act, Chapter 104, Revised Statutes, to
conduct an inquiry into the losses and damages sustained by the Japanese
population on the occasion of the recent riots in this city, I am giving public
notice to all parties having claims to present that I will be in Pender Hall,
Pender street, between the hours of 10.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. on Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday, the 22nd, 23rd and 24th instant, respectively, to
hear and receive such claims ; also, that no claim will be entitled to considera-
tion which is not presented within the time herein specified. Also, that the
examination and taking of evidence in respect of said claims will be com-
menced forthwith, and that any parties will have a right to appear, who may
desire to be heard before the Commission in respect of any or all of the said
claims.
I have the honour to be, sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Sgd.) W. L. MACKENZIE KING,
Commissioner.
Geo. Cowan, Esq.,
Solicitor for City of Vancouver,
Vancouver, B.C/
The sittings of the Commission were held at Pender Hall, Pender street, the first
sitting being on the morning of Tuesday, October 22. Erom that day sittings were
held continuously as follows : October 23, 24, 25, 26, 30 and 31, and November 1, 2, 4
and 5, both morning and afternoon sessions being held on most of the days mentioned.
Mr. Howard J. Duncan appeared as counsel for the Japanese government. The
Dominion government not being represented by counsel, the examination in chief of
the several claimants and witnesses was conducted by myself as Commissioner. Mr.
Duncan presented the several claims and assisted in the examination of witnesses.
Mr. Cowan, city solicitor, was present at the opening of the inquiry, but stated that
as the purpose of the investigation was to assess damages and not to determine the
question of liability as to their payment, he had been instructed by the city not to
appear. Mr. Morikawa, His Imperial Japanese Majesty's Consul, was present through-
JAPANESE CLAIMS 11
SESSIONAL PAPER No. 74g
out the inquiry, but with the exception of making a statement before the Commission
in reference to the claims presented took no part in the proceedings. Mr. F. W.
Giddens, of the Department of Labour, acted as stenographer, and Mr. T. I. Nagao as
interpreter. In all, 80 witnesses were examined, which number included the several
claimants, the Chief of Police and other civic officials, the architect who had prepared
the estimate of damages to property, those who had assisted in this work, and one or
two other persons. Each claim was accompanied by a statutory declaration setting
forth particulars in regard to the amount, and in the case of actual damages, photo-
graphs showing the damage done to the premises of the several claimants were also
put in. There were 107 claims in all, 54 being for actual, and 53 for resultant or
consequential losses.
The hearing of evidence was conclude d on November 5. By the 8th of the month
the statement annexed hereto, showing the amounts to which, in my opinion, the
several claimants were entitled, had been prepared, and on the same day, I informed
Your Excellency in Council, through the Honourable the Secretary of State, of the
total losses as estimated as a result of the investigation. This sum was fixed at
$9,036, of which $1,553.58 was on account of actual damages, and the balance on
account of resultant losses. The Japanese consulate did not present any account for
expenses incurred in preparing estimates of claims, or for the professional services of
counsel who appeared before the Commission on behalf of the Japanese government.
As the careful preparation of the estimates and claims, and the presence of counsel,
greatly facilitated the examination, I was of the opinion that the consulate should be
reimbursed the amount expended therefor, and that an allowance should be made on
account of legal expenses. I therefore recommended, in the communication to the
Honourable the Secretary of State, that in addition to the payment of the above
amount, the Japanese consulate should be reimbursed the sum of $600, expended in
the preparation of estimates and claims, and be allowed on account of legal expenses
a sum of one thousand dollars. I further recommended that the claimants should be
reimbursed the sum of $189, expended by them in declaring their claims. On Novem-
ber 13, I received a communication by wire, informing me that the several sums as
recommended for payment had been approved by Council; and directing me to issue
cheques to the several claimants in payment of their losses ; also stating that the neces-
sary funds for this purpose had been placed to my credit in the Bank of Montreal at
Vancouver. Having made payment of the several claims, I obtained from each of the
parties a release in the following form : —
'KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PKESENTS, that I,
of the city of Vancouver, in the district of Burrard, in
the province of British Columbia, for and in consideration of the sum
of dollars, to me in hand paid by the government of the
Dominion of Canada, in full of all claims for damages or otherwise, which
I have had or might or could have, by reason of injuries to me and to my
property and business or trade or calling, arising out of riots or disturbances
in the said city of Vancouver, on or about the 7th day of September, 1907,
against the said government, or against the government of the said province
of British Columbia, or against the municipal corporation of the said city of
Vancouver, or against any other corporate body or person or persons whereso-
12 VANCOUVER RIOTS
7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908
ever within the Dominion of Canada, have remised, released and forever
discharged, and by these presents do for myself, my heirs, executors, admin-
istrators and assigns, remise, release and forever discharge the said govern-
ments, the said municipal corporations, and all other bodies corporate and
persons whomsoever and their legal representatives, of and from all and all
manner of action and actions, cause and causes of action, suits, debts, dues,
sums of money, claims and demands whatsoever at law or in equity, which I
have had, or now have, or which I or my heirs, executors, administrators or
assigns might or could have against the said governments, municipal cor-
porations, bodies corporate or persons, or any of them, by reason or on account
of, or in connection with, my said claims for damages above mentioned.
'IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and seal
this day of A.D. 1908.'
' Signed, Sealed and Delivered
in the presence of '
The evidence taken before the Commission will illustrate in a sufficiently compre-
hensive manner the bases on which the amounts allotted to the several claimants were
estimated. It is not necessary, therefore, to more than indicate in this report, the
nature of the investigation, and the points to which it was necessary to direct special
attention. Most of the claims presented appear to have been fair and reasonable. The
fact that there is a difference of some $4,500 between the total amount claimed and
the total amount awarded, is to be accounted for by somewhat exorbitant claims
made by one or two merchants for alleged losses in business, and more or less exces-
sive claims made by some of the Japanese boarding-house keepers, who claimed
indemnity for a time exceeding that for which it appeared reasonable to make an
allowance, or who, in hiring guards for the protection of their property during the
time of the riot and the days immediately succeeding, failed to exercise reasonable
judgment in the amounts they expended on this score. It would appear, however, that
the more responsible persons of the Japanese community in Vancouver, and, in
particular, the merchant class, fixed with moderation the amount of the loss for which
compensation was requested. In individual cases the amounts would indicate that
the claimants had in mind an ' amende honorable,' in the nature of some recognition
rather than full compensation of actual losses or damages sustained.
At the time of the riot the Japanese consulate in Vancouver took immediate
steps to ascertain the extent of the damage done to the several properties of the
Japanese residents in the city. The services of a competent architect were retained
to ascertain the actual damage and estimate the consequent loss. The consulate also
retained a solicitor to assist in the preparation and declaring of the several claims,
and the information thus collected was duly placed before the Commission. The civic
authorities of Vancouver did not take any steps to ascertain the amount of the damage
occasioned by the riot. With the exception, therefore, of the statement prepared at
the instance of the Japanese consulate, there was no guide to the actual losses other
than the sworn statement of the several claimants, and the receipts produced by them
for expenditures incurred in making good the damage to their property. As receipts
were produced in all cases save those in which repairs had not been made at the time
JAPANESE CLAIM* 13
SESSIONAL PAPER No. 74g
the Commission was sitting, there was not the trouble of assessing the losses on this
score, which might otherwise have been occasioned. The one difficulty which presented
itself was that of estimating the amount to be allowed a tenant, where the owner of
the property was a person other than a Japanese resident of the city. In all such cases
a careful examination was made of the terms of tenancy and damages were allowed to
the extent to which there was reason for believing that the losses incurred would fall
upon the Japanese claimant. In the case of the actual damages, the estimate sub-
mitted was somewdiat in excess of the amount subsequently expended in making
repairs. With the preparation of this estimate the several claimants had had nothing
to do, and the difference in amount was one which a British subject assessing losses
under the circumstances, might have reasonably conceded, in the absence of specific
contracts or actual receipts. In estimating the resultant or consequential damages,
special regard was had to the evidence of the civic authorities in regard to the nature
and effect of the disturbances, as well as to the peculiar circumstances in which the
Japanese colony in Vancouver found itself placed in consequence of the unexpected
and unprovoked nature of the attack made upon it. In some cases a personal visit
was made to the premises and an inspection had of the books of the claimants.
I desire to gratefully acknowledge the assistance given and the many courtesies
extended throughout the inquiry and during my stay in Vancouver, by Mr. Morikawa
and the members of the Japanese consulate. While Mr. Morikawa took no part in
the proceedings before the Commission, he was unsparing in his efforts to facilitate
and expedite the inquiry, and but for the careful manner in which he anticipated
in many particulars the needs of the Commission, it is certain that the investigation
would have been materially prolonged. To Mr. Howard J. Duncan, the able counsel
of the Japanese government, the thanks of the Commission are also specially due,
both for the care with which he advanced and safeguarded the interests of the
several claimants, and for the assistance given in eliciting facts relevant to the sub-
ject of the inquiry.
At the conclusion of the inquiry, the following communications in regard to the
award of the Canadian government were exchanged between Mr. Morikawa and
myself : —
Vancouver, B.C., November 15, 1907.
' Dear Sir,— On behalf of the Government of Canada, I beg to inclose
a cheque for the sum of $1,600, authorized by Order in Council, and payable
to the order of His Imperial Japanese Majesty's Consulate at Vancouver,
being an allowance of $1,000 on account of legal expenses and reimburse-
ment to the amount of $600 for amounts expended by the Japanese Consulate
in the preparation of estimates and claims of losses and damages sustained
by the Japanese population in the recent riots in the city of Vancouver and
the presentation of these claims before the Royal Commission appointed to
inquire into the said losses and damages.
' The Japanese Consulate at Vancouver has not presented any account
for expenses incurred in the preparation of estimates and claims, or for
professional services of counsel who appeared before the Commission on
behalf of the Japanese government. When, as Commissioner appointed to
inquire into the losses and damages sustained by the Japanese population in
14 VANCOUVER RIOTS
7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908
Vancouver, I requested you to kindly let me have a statement of the amounts
expended by the Japanese Consulate, you intimated, in reply, that it was not
your intention or the desire of the Japanese Consulate to allow a considera-
tion by the Government of Canada of any expenses which the Consulate may
have incurred in the preparation and presentation of claims made on behalf
of the Japanese population in Vancouver.
* As you are aware, the careful preparation of estimates and claims and
the presence of counsel greatly facilitated the inquiry. This of itself, in the
opinion of the Dominion Government, is a sufficient reason why all such out-
lays should be fully met. I have, therefore, to express the hope that on further
consideration, you will find it possible to accept the inclosed cheque on
account of expenses incurred by the Japanese Consulate in this connection.
' The government has, by Order in Council, also authorized the payment
of the sum of $9,036, on account of losses and damages sustained by the
Japanese population in the recent riots, and the reimbursement to claimants
of the sum of $139, expended by them in declaring their claims. Cheques in
payment of the amounts due the several claims are at present being made out
in accordance with the amount assessed as a result of the inquiry under
Royal Commission just concluded. These cheques I hope to be in a position
to hand to the several claimants sometime to-morrow.
' I am, dear sir,
' Very respectfully yours,
' Sgd.) W. L. MACKENZIE KING,
1 M. Kishiro Morikawa, ' Commissioner.'
' His Imperial Japanese Majesty's Consul,
' Vancouver, B.C.'
i His Imperial Japanese Majesty's Consulate,
1 Vancouver, B.C., November 19, 1907.
' Sir, — Permit me on behalf of my government, to thank you for your letter
of the 15th instant, inclosing a cheque of $1,600 as an allowance for expenses,
legal and incidental, to my government, in connection with the preparation
and investigation of claims by Japanese residents for damages to their
property in the unfortunate riot of the 7th September. I also thank you
for the notification of the allowance of $9,036 and costs of declaring claims
by the Canadian government for the payment of losses and damages sustained
by the Japanese residents in the riot.
' I cannot too strongly express the satisfaction and approval of my gov-
ernment in your award and adjustment of the losses and damages sustained
by the Japanese residents here, a feeling, I am sure, shared by every claimant.
If I may be permitted to say anything of a personal character, I would assure
you that the great skill, unvarying patience and urbanity which marked your
conduct of the Commission, has done much to restore the feeling of my
countrymen here that the Canadian government and the people of Canada
are opposed to every element whose purpose is to defy the ordinary rules of
decency in life, and the wider laws which bind nations in friendly accord.
JAPANESE CLAIMS 15
SESSIONAL PAPER No. 74g
' While appreciating the high and honourable motives which have
prompted you and your government to send me the cheque for $1,600, I regret
that it is impossible for my government to accept a reward for protecting the
interests and property of the subjects of Japan. This, and this only, is my
reason for returning to you the cheque for $1,600.
1 You may assure your government of my grateful acknowledgment of
their generous course, a policy which, I am sure, will make for an increase of
good feeling between our peoples.
1 1 have the honour to be, sir,
' Your obedient servant,
1 (Sgd.) K. MOKIKAWA,
' H. I. Japanese M/s Consul.
'W. L. Mackenzie King, C.M.G.,
' Commissioner,
1 Vancouver.'
The friendly sentiments to which the letter of the Japanese Consul herein quoted
gives expression were also a feature of the address of Mr. Duncan, the counsel of the
Japanese government, at the last session of the Commission. Inasmuch as this report
contains little or no mention of the riot, of which the present inquiry was a conse-
quence, or of the light in which the occurrence was viewed by the Japanese and
Canadian peoples respectively, it may be fitting to quote, in conclusion, Mr. Duncan's
remarks and what was said in reply. Japan and Canada will gladly forget an incident
so sincerely deprecated by the peoples of both countries; they will cherish, however,
the many expressions of reciprocal good-will of which the incident furnished the
occasion.
Mr. Duncan said: —
' Mr. Commissioner, on behalf of the Government of Japan, as counsel
for them, on behalf of the Japanese residents of Vancouver, I beg to thank
you for the very cordial, patient, and attentive manner with which you have
dealt with the evidence of what must have been to you a very tiresome class
of witnesses, by reason of the interpretation of their evidence being necessary,
to assure you that those who have been affected by this deplorable riot have
the greatest and fullest confidence in the fairness and correctness of the
judgment which you will render in this case. It is a matter, also, for con-
gratulation, with the relationship which exists between the British Empire
and the Empire of Japan, that this matter has been approached by the sub-
jects of Japan in this city without any manner of feeling, without anything
but the greatest consideration for the maintenance of good feeling between
themselves and the other residents of this city. Whatever feeling may exist
in unhappy matters of this sort, I am advised and instructed by the Japanese
residents of this city, that they have no feeling of enmity, no feeling but
that of kindness and regard for the people of the city of Vancouver. They
look upon this unhappy incident, not as the outcome of racial feeling by the
white population of this district against them; they look upon it rather as
74f— 3
16 VAXCOUVER RIOT 8
7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908
the result of agitation by people who have not that regard for the maintenance
of good feeling in this country, but who for the purpose of creating a
condition, have, inadvisedly, they believe, attempted to create a feeling of
antagonism to them. They cannot believe that the sober, self-respecting,
honourable man who has been brought up with the glorious privileges and
benefits which the educational system of a country such as this gives, of the
splendid advantages of the teachings of religion and of principles of honour
and truth, that those who have had the beneficent influences of the higher
civilization for eighteen hundred years, could wantonly and without provo-
cation, for the exclusive purpose of venting an unholy passion, attack a
defenceless and law-abiding people. The teachings of history all tell us that
the decadence of a people begins when and so soon as they provoke within
their midst a feeling of racial hatred. There is nothing that saps the
integrity of a nation, that destroys the beauty and the perfection of civiliza-
tion such as the persecution of a people because they hold different religious
tenets, or because they are sprung from a different race. Because He was
born of a different race, He suffered death that all men might live, and if
there is any virtue in this great civilization of the western world due to the
teachings of the Christian religion, these virtues make for what is known as
the brotherhood of man, no matter what race or from what class he may
spring. True, we have instances in which warfare plays her part, of where
race struggles against race for dominance, but never has it been known where
races and peoples are allies and friends and serving each other in the great
purpose of the world, that one attempts the growth and development of a
feeling of racial hatred.
' The people of Japan, before western civilization had touched her
borders, had their own peculiar civilization of a very high order among the
eastern nations of the world, but through the pledges of an Anglo-Saxon
people, the British people and the American peoples, they opened their doors
that the American and the British subject could come in amongst them, and
could teach them this new civilization, this higher life which we boasted we
had, and the result was that the Japanese people cast aside their old civiliza-
tion and began to take upon themselves the civilization of the western world.
Millions of money have been subscribed by the British people and by the
American people for the purpose, and the exclusive purpose, of sending to
the shores of Japan, missionaries of every denomination, church and sect,
known to the Christian religion, and it is to the religious teachings of the
Christian faith amongst the Japanese people, and the introduction of the
arts and sciences of the western world, and the beneficent influences of com-
merce and contact with the citizen of the United States and Great Britain,
that the Japanese have developed within fifty years to be one of the first
powers of the earth. And I say it speaks well for western civilization, it
speaks well for the British Empire and the American people, that they found
a people like the Japanese who were capable of taking upon themselves the
the resonsibilities which we of this western world practically forced upon their
attention. And from instances within our own recollection, the Japanese
have shown not only in the arts of peace, in the capacity of their men's
JAPANESE CLAIMS 17
SESSIONAL PAPER No. 74g
intellect, but in the still more glorious — or deemed more glorious — work, they
have shown themselves to be capable defenders of their honour and their
country. In the recent struggle between Japan and Russia, so great, so
wonderful was their equipment, was the effectiveness of their general military
system, and of their naval tactics, that the world which had before then
looked upon them askance and with doubt, are to-day their strongest and
most determined admirers. But referring to the softer side of their natures,
we know that during the trouble we had in South Africa, when day after
day reports came that our army was in trouble and distress, the Japanese
residents of this city voluntarily took up a subscription amongst themselves,
exclusively to lend aid and assistance to the Canadian volunteers who went
forth from this Dominion to assist the mother country in her great struggle
for supremacy on the continent of Africa. In every feature of a public
character in this city they have upon all occasions shown themselves anxious
to play their little part, and play it honourably, to assist in any project which
was gotten up for the benefit of this city.
'These remarks are forced upon me in considering the question of the
security the Japanese residents of this city felt on the deplorable night of
the 7th of September. There can be no question that in their district, with
their wives and children about them, plying their callings in the ordinary and
usual way, relying upon the good sense of the people of the city, and the
security which that good sense meant to them, there can be no doubt that
they were lulled practically into what has turned out to be a false position.
But far be it from the local Japanese to lay any blame upon the city council
or upon the citizens of Vancouver, because they feel that neither the govern-
ment of this city, nor the people of this city are imbued with any feeling of
hatred against them. But the fact remains they felt they were secure, and
they felt they were secure because they knew they were under the law of our
country, because they knew, from fifty years of experience as a nation, thait"
if there is one thing that British government stands for it is the protection
of life and of property, and for the principle that a man who does no wrong
against the laws of the country, is protected under the British flag.
' The Japanese residents of this city now feel secure under the protection
of the British flag, and they, through me, appeal to the better nature and to
the good sense of the people of this city to ensure to them what they believe,
namely, that there is no feeling of hatred or of malice among the people of
this city against them. And I am sure, as a British subject, that the people
of this city are not going to permit any other feeling than a feeling of respect
and regard for the Japanese people, so long as they observe the laws of this
country, and behave themselves as good and respected citizens.
' It is a matter of small consequence to the Japanese residents of this
city, this matter of damages. It is a matter of considerable consequence and
considerable importance to them that tbeir national pride, the same pride
that a British subject feels because he is a British subject, should be injured
or affected. The love of country is one of the strongest and noblest passions
that can move a mortal. And the man who decries or sneers at anyone because
of his pride of the country of his birth, i? a man who. whatever excellent
74g— 2
18 I 1NC0UVER RIOTS
7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908
training he may have had, or whatever fine intellectual accomplishments he
may have attained, is wanting in the highest and noblest attribute that goes
to the making up of the full stature of a man. And I say if there is one
thing that is a burning passion with the Japanese people, it is a passion of
loyalty for their country, iis a people they have shown themselves to be will-
ing to make any sacrifice, yea, sacrificing themselves even unto death, to
uphold the standard and the place of their country among the nations of
the world. And therefore, it is well that the people of Vancouver, glorying
in the fact that they are British subjects, or the people of the United States,
glorying in the fact that they are subjects of the United States, should accord
to other peoples the same measure of national pride that they feel themselves
for their own country.
' The next features that I shall dwell upon, and I shall be brief, are the
features with reference to the claims which have been put in for adjustment
before this Commission. I think, sir, you will agree with me, although I am
counsel for protecting the interests of these various claimants, that from the
evidence which has been adduced, the nature and character of this attack on
the 7th, the extent of damage to the buildings, the subsequent events, fire at
the school house, the riot on Sunday evening, and the other events which
followed — minor ones — that the Japanese residents had every fear and every
cause for fear and alarm for at least a fortnight, if not longer, after this
attack. Coming then, to the question of consequential damages, I think it
but a correct principle that anything which naturally flows by reason of these
deeds of violence, would be properly within the term " consequential damages."
I think, sir, that while some of these claimants have only claimed for three
days, some for six, one I believe as high as fourteen, that regard must be
had to the conditions of each of those individuals, and also to the general
feeling which has manifestly controlled the actions and means of these
residents. While some may have underestimated their damages, I do not think
that any have over-estimated them. It may be that no sufficient evidence of
a legal character can be placed before you upon which you could base an
award of the full amount claimed by these parties, but I think the demoraliz-
ation of the trade in the district, of the influence which this period had upon
it, can never be recompensed by the claims which have been placed before you.
******
1 In conclusion, I will rest our case with entire confidence in your judg-
ment in the matter, feeling certain that whatever is done will be done on
broad, generous principles of right and justice rather than upon technicalities,
which, while very obvious in courts of law ,are not of such importance in
matters which are termed purely of investigation and inquiry. Personally,
I thank you for the attention you have given me, and the courtesies extended
to me during the sittings of the Commission.'
Replying to Mr. Duncan, I said:
' I will not, perhaps, be accused of going outside the scope of my commis-
sion if, before concluding, I would venture to again refer to the genuine
regret which has already been so widely expressed of the incident which
JAPANESE CLAIMS . 19
SESSIONAL PAPER No. 74g
occurred here, and which has been responsible for the present investigation.
A gratifying feature of the investigation has been that it has brought forth
from the city officials a voluntary statement, and a unanimous statement,
that in their opinion, the attack which was made upon the Japanese and
upon the Asiatics generally, on the night of September 7, was unwarranted
and unjustifiable and greatly to be deplored. Moreover, it has brought forth
the statement, or better, the assurance that the attack in their opinion, was
not directed against the Japanese in particular, but was begotten, rather,
of the excitement of the moment and occasioned by a feeling of alarm which
has grown in certain quarters, in consequence of the increase — of the sudden
and large increase — in the number of persons coming to this part from the
Orient. The civic officials have been careful to state that in their opinion
there was nothing personal in the incident, that for the character of the
Japanese they have, I think I am right in saying, nothing but admiration;
that the trouble has been entirely one consequent upon an increase in num-
bers, and has to do with numbers rather than particular peoples or any
characteristics of those peoples.
1 Mr. Duncan has stated that the Japanese people are inclined to regard
the feeling as the result of agitation of persons who have not had at heart
the maintenance of good feeling between Japan and Canada. If, in that
remark, Mr. Duncan had reference to the particular incident which occurred
on that night, I think he is quite right. Certainly those who were responsible
for that unfortunate occurrence could not have had at heart the interests of
this country in the matter of the maintenance of good feeling between Japan
and ourselves. On the other hand, if the feeling to which reference
has been made relates to the feeling which has been engendered
here in consequence of a sudden and great increase in the numbers of persons
from the Orient, then I am inclined to think that it would hardly be fair to
say that the persons who share that feeling are not necessarily or have no^
necessarily at heart the interests both of this country and of Japan. A
feeling against the sudden influx in large numbers of peoples from other
parts of the world is one thing, and is quite compatible with a desire to main-
tain the friendliest relations between the peoples of those countries and our-
selves. An expression of opinion, or rather the giving to that feeling expres-
sion in the form of an incident such as we have been forced to consider here,
is quite a different thing, and the two should be kept distinctly apart.
' My commission allows me to consider only such losses as are apparent,
or as are capable of definite and certain ascertainment. I think Mr. Duncan
has well said, that the loss of property occasioned by this riot, is, in the
minds of the Japanese people, a small thing in comparison with the injury
which may have been done to the pride of the Japanese people in their race
and nationality. If these attacks had been directed against the Japanese,
because they were Japanese, there might be reason for a feeling of injured
pride. When, however, we consider, and the evidence here has gone to show
that we are right in so considering, that this attack was not directed against
the Japanese personally, but that it was, as I have already said, a matter
20 , VANCOUVER RIOTS
7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908
begotten of alarm occasioned in consequence of the increased immigration
from the Orient generally, the Japanese will, I think, feel, or have reason to
feel, that there has not been on the part even of those who took a hand in
this deplorable riot, any desire to injure or offend their pride as a people in
any way whatever.
' However, to a proud and sensitive people such as the Japanese, the
general expression of regret on the part of the people of Canada for the
unfortunate incident which has occurred, will be a more fitting amende for
such indignities as they may have suffered, than any money compensation,
however considerable it might be.'
All of which is respectfully submitted.
(Sgd.) W. L. MACKENZIE KING,
' Commissioner.
Dated at Ottawa the 26th day of June, 1908.
JAPANESE CLAIMS
21
SESSIONAL PAPER No. 74g
APPENDIX.
Statement showing amounts allowed claimants for actual and resultant losses and for
declaring claims.
Claimant.
Okada Kumataro
Japanese Boarding House Union.
Nissin Goshi Co
Canada Kangyo Co
Tamura Torakichi
Matsumiya Sotojiro
Matsmnoto Takematsu
Isomura Hatsutaro
Yaniashita Hichire
Ikeda Hisajiro
Asahi Rice Mills Co
Asano Gomey
Komura Takejiro
Matsubayashi Nakataro
Nakagawa Gentaro
Ishikawa Katsuzo
Miyauchi Otokichi
^sakazeki Santaro
Sekine Yugoro
Ysuchida Kamejiro
Uchida Sentaro .
Suga Motaro
Ebata Ishimatsu
Saegusa Teinosuke
•'The Canadian News," (Goro
Kabmagi)
Ikawa Matsujiro
Hajima Chikio ..
Hatsugoro Suyuki
Uchida Kina ....
Tomoda Junkichi
Hidehira Sadajiro
Hori Jenya
Morino Eijiro
Yoneda Yoshimatsu
Nishimura Kanzaburo . . . .....
Shiroyama Ichitaro
Kawasaki Yasuke
Japan, Canada Trust Saving Co..
Sonoda Otomatsu
Taniguchi Kumataro ; . . . .
Mrs. Shimomura
Nayegawa Tomekichi
Hayashi Genya
Kato Tsunekichi
Nishimura Masuya
Ikeda Tonakichi
Nishimura Genjiu
Nishimura Sakutaro. .
Kihara Jutaro. ...
Tanaka Torasburo. .
< )ka\vara Moichi
Tanabe Yoichi
Japanese General Contract Co. .
Hayakawa Ichiro
Kawasaki Utakichi
Natsnba Kikumatsu
Sato Mohei
[to Rikutaro
Tanaka Sadakichi
Japanese School
Address.
Actual.
Resultant.
Declaring
Claim.
Total.
$ cts.
$ cts.
$ cts.
% cts.
201 Powell street..
105 51
214 00
3 00
322 51
205
205
50 00
50 00
140 00
2 00
142 00
205
134 00
24 00
2 00
2 00
136 00
207
3 65
29 65
213
1 54
122 00
2 00
125 54
235
9 00
126 00
3 00
138 00
237
80 00
210 00
4 00
294 00
237
105 00
2 00
107 00
245
75 00
3 00
78 00
251
46 50
150 00
3 00
199 50
251
36 00
175 00
2 00
3 00
38 00
269
42 25
220 25
301
10 00
40 00
2 00
52 00
309
40 50
105 00
2 00
147 50
331
75 00
3 00
78 00
333
333
22 00
13 00
22 00
50 00
2 00
65 00
355
8 70
75 00
3 00
86 70
345
50 00
143 50
3 00
196 50
359
10 00
50 00
2 00
62 00
377
18 50
60 00
2 00
80 50
391
4 50
90 00
2 00
96 50
361
38 50
30 00
2 00
70 50
363
48 55
10 00
2 00
60 55
423
7 00
15 00
2 00
24 00
427
26 00
40 00
2 00
68 00
432
33 00
20 00
2 00
55 00
439 & 441 „
439
32 00
17 00
60 00
48 00
49 00
* 2 00
2 00
62 00
451
36 00
86 00
453
12 00
30 00
2 00
44 00
461
1 00
45 00
2 00
48 00
473
18 50
35 00
2 00
55 50
478
6 00
60 00
2 00
68 00
527
3 75
42 00
2 00
47 75
515
20 55
100 00
2 00
122 55
388
336 ■
270
53 00
10 50
5 50
53 00
10 00
50 00
20 50
2 00
57 50
266
264
2 70
30 00
2 70
50 00
2 00
82 00
236
4 60
90 00
3 00
97 60
230
7 00
375 75
4 00
386 75
130
81 50
412 50
5 00
499 00
126
44 00
412 50
5 00
461 50
122
37 70
155 00
3 00
195 70
56
12 00
30 00
2 00
44 00
332 Westminster av
12 00
39 80
51 80
235
57 75
115 35
7 00
180 10
229
51 30
170 00
3 00
224 30
223
23 00
160 00
4 00
187 00
228
232
202
11 00
30 00
230 10
11 00
30 00
2,240 00
10 00
2,480 10
151 E. Cordova st.
9 60
200 00
4 00
213 60
77 Market alley . .
3 25
150 00
3 00
156 25
107 Dupont st
1 60
60 00
2 00
63 60
22 Pender st. . .
40 00
2 00
42 00
439 Alexandra st. .
7 00
7 00
139 00
1,523 60
7,512 40
9,175 00
JAPANESE CLAIMS
7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908
APPENDIX— Continued.
Total amount allowed claimants on account of actual and
resultant losses, and amounts expended in declaring
claims. . . . - $9,175
Amount expended in declaring claims 139
Total amount allowed on account of actual and resultant
losses $9,036
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